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The parents of a 15-year-old girl who was injured in a car crash after an underage drinking party in Scranton in 2008 are suing the driver of the car, the owners of the home where the party was held and a man who was drag racing with the car that crashed.

The suit, filed Friday in Lackawanna County Court by William and Julie Stanvitch on behalf of their daughter Mia, seeks damages against seven people, including Chase Passeri, the former West Scranton football player who was driving the car that flipped and rolled over on Newton Road, Newton Twp.

Mia Stanvitch, of 427 16th Ave., Scranton, was thrown from the car, landing in a ditch and suffering injuries to her legs, back and head. She suffered "great physical and emotional pain" and permanent "disfigurement and scarring," the suit states. It seeks unspecified damages "in excess of the judicial limits."

She was 14 years old at the time of the crash, and the suit states her parents will be required to spend money for their daughter's care and treatment "into the future."

Shortly before the crash, the suit states, Mr. Passeri had been drag racing with a Scranton man, Michael Clark, 313 N. Everett Ave. While speeding around a corner, Mr. Passeri, of 102 Arlington Way, Scranton, lost control, causing the car to flip and roll.

According to the suit, Mr. Clark did not stop to help the injured after the crash on Dec. 6, 2008.

Mr. Passeri, who was a senior football player at the time, nearly had his arm severed. Other passengers who were injured included Robert J. Palmitessa Jr., of 730 N. Lincoln Ave., Scranton; John J. Kulick Jr., of 615 N. Bromley Ave., Scranton; and a 17-year-old male.

In addition to Mr. Passeri, defendants in the case are his mother, Michelle Keenan; John Hendry, 120 Mooris Ave., Scranton, who allegedly bought alcohol, including "Mad Dog 20/20;" Mr. Clark; and Casey, Michael and Gail Musheno, residents of 646 N. Garfield Ave., where the alleged underage drinking party was held.

The suit states his mother "knew or should have been aware" that Mr. Passeri had a habit of drinking and driving and that he was going to an underage drinking party, yet allowed him to drive.

Mr. Passeri and the others in his mother's car had left the Musheno home and were en route to a second party in the Clarks Summit/Abington area when the crash occurred, the suit states.

The alcohol was allegedly purchased by Mr. Hendry for Mr. Passeri and a 17-year-old from the Wine & Spirits Store at 1762 Keyser Ave., Scranton. During his freshman year, Mr. Passeri met Mr. Hendry, then a senior, and had called him once before to purchase alcohol, police said.

Police said a combination of drinking and driving at 80 miles an hour led to the crash. Mr. Passeri was charged with aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, reckless endangerment, drunken driving, reckless driving, careless driving and speeding. Six months later while free on bail and awaiting trial on those charges, Mr. Passeri was cited for underage drinking.

Mr. Passeri, who pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, drunken driving and reckless endangerment, is scheduled to be sentenced March 23 by Judge Michael J. Barrasse.

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